The Product: MP3 Player

CD’s are quickly going the way of the 8-track. If you have held off on buying an MP3 player, your options are better than ever.

Recommendation: Apple iPod Nano Review (Third Generation Model)

As small as this thing looks on Apple’s website and in advertisements, its still hard to believe when you first hold it in your hand. The new third generation Apple iPod Nano packs a tremendous amount of features into a sleek, modern design. Combined with Apple’s very easy to use iTunes software and download store, it’s a tough competitor and makes an ideal gift for almost anyone.

The Third Generation iPod Nano has almost become an entirely new device as Apple decided to bless the Nano with video and switch to a widescreen display. Now the iPod Nano is just as suited to watch video as it is to listen to music. The increased screen also makes it easier to sort through albums and find songs, especially with the very cool new "Cover Flow" option that lets you flip through albums by their "covers". The iPod Nano comes either in a 4GB or 8GB model where the 8GB can hold up to 2,000 songs, 7,000 photos or 8 hours of video. As with the iPod Shuffle, Apple has released a RED PRODUCT version of the Nano with proceeds donated to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. So far, this Fund has raised over $39.5 million towards the fight against AIDS in Africa.

Apple has done a fantastic job at integrating their iTunes software with their Apple iPod lineup as well as releasing numerous iPod accessories that work really well with the Nano. For those who haven’t used Apple iTunes before, the software is one of the best jukebox and music stores around. Once you connect your iPod Nano to your computer, an iTunes update will automatically sync up your device and update your playlist with your newest iTunes songs. Download iTunes now and find some of your favorite songs.

Devil's Advocate:

The one thing I think that Apple really blew with this 3G Nano was not offering a 16GB version. By adding video, but not offering a top of the line model with capacity that exceeded the second generation model, it means that users who want to watch video and tv will likely have to to limit the amount of music that they store on the device. For this reason, I am going to be making the switch from the Nano to the Classic as my primary iPod.